Expo Jamaica 2018 officially launched last Thursday, under the theme ‘Advancing Breakthroughs’ with a goal to boost innovation within the local manufacturing and business sectors. On board again after more than a decade of partnership is NCB, longtime proponent of digitisation and technology as key tools for advancement in a global marketplace. The premier financial institution for the event, the National Commercial Bank (NCB) also committed to supporting the next two stagings of the Caribbean’s largest trade show, at a total sponsorship of $12 million. Speaking at the launch, Kevin Ingram, Business District Manager, Retail Banking Division, NCB commended the organisers on their vision for business in Jamaica and the fortitude in continuing to execute productive events that continue to harness the joint abilities of businesses to create the 2030 Jamaica. Highlighting the link between the expo’s mandate and his company’s mantra, ‘Building a better Jamaica’, Ingram said the event provided sound business value from year to year including invaluable interfacing with thousands of consumers, business customers and prospects from across the region. “We continue to be associated with the event which offers a sound platform to promote our brand, showcase NCB’s extensive suite of financial products and services as well as solidify our corporate commitment to the development of business in Jamaica,” Ingram explained. “This theme, however is particularly close to our hearts at NCB as we understand innovation to be a critical success factor to business in this time being the solution to remaining competitive and enhancing efficiency. The result then is the fostering of creativity, to birth or manufacture novel improvements to goods, services, processes or methods leading to disruption in industries and diversification of markets. Therefore, NCB is keen on enabling innovation, so much so you could say it has become ingrained in our DNA, an imperative to our strategy. As a result the bank continues to bring many firsts to market while formulating simpler, faster and practical solutions for ease of banking,” Ingram said. Hosted by the Jamaica Exporters Association (JEA) and the Jamaica Manufacturers Association (JMA), Expo Jamaica is a biennial exposition, which opens an arena for businesses to display their offerings and meet potential clients as well as network with others in and across industries, locally and regionally. Recognising the need for advancements in innovation across the manufacturing and services industries, this year’s theme is geared towards fuelling game changing advances of local manufacturers and service providers, while endorsing the role of modern technologies in aiding development. For the 46th staging, 400 exhibitors from across the island, and the region, will showcase their diverse products and services to some 20,000 patrons. NCB will be among these exhibitors operating a full service digital bank along with exclusive product deals and services. This year’s event also boasts a new feature, JEMS - Jamaica’s Emerging Manufacturers and Services Village - featuring 42 of Jamaica’s finest micro and small businesses which continue to embrace innovation in bourgeoning sectors such as nutraceuticals, cosmetics and beauty care, aromatherapy and spa products. Expo Jamaica 2018 is slated for April 19-22 at the National Arena and Indoor Sports Centre.